First Fic: Wolves (Chapter 12 UPDATED! 2/23)

[hidden watson]

Their relationship continues to grow, that's great. I can't help but wonder at what Tara makes of all this. A total stranger comes into her life and she feels instant attraction. Then she learns that the person who has claimed her heart so quickly has special powers. Now Willow has flat out confessed that she moved all the way across the pond and a whole continent, away from her close family, and the reason? Tara. She must be feeling a boatload of apprehension and asking "why?", "why me?".



Love the note passing and picnic, by the way. Willow is very romatic. And Tara already getting jealous of Faith. All good signs.



Last time I guessed wrong about who Willow met at night, so I'm not going to guess at who so rudely interrupted the proceedings. Please don't leave us hanging too long, okay?

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quiet thoughts

[dreamspace]

xonethousandtears08x: Yes, it was a very mean cliffhanger and I deserv a good spanking But I'm glad you liked it anyway.



watersong84: Romantic? Really? Aw, thanks! And don't think that Tara wasn't at least a little freaked, she was, but she had other priorities in mind (meaning )



Irishgrl3: I'm not much of a romantic, I'm afraid, but I did try my best considering that we have the whole Hellmouth thingy to worry about. And yes, the bumpy things do make it difficult to have a nice moonlight chat, damn vamps . Oh, well, just wait and see what happens.



stillrunning: Omigod! You threatened to take my cookies because of one little, itsy bitsy cliffie? I don't even want to know what you gonna do to me when you read Chapter 9, I'm so busted.



hidden watson: You certainly have good points and they will all be explored somehow, which will create a few bumps in the road of our favorite girls. Nothing to break out the stock of Kleenex, but a bit of angst is to be expected.



Thanks for the feedback, Kittens, but I'm afraid you all will want to kill me after this chapter you're about to read. But please, go easy on me and keep in mind that this story will have a happy ending with lots and lots of goodness.





CHAPTER 9 - REVEALED



Willow spun around and was on her feet in less than two seconds. Her sharp eyes focused on the three arrivals and her nose told her they were far from being humans.



“Vampires.” She growled deeply in her throat.



“Aren’t you a smart one?” one of the vampires, obviously the leader, taunted.



“Shouldn’t you be running and screaming for help, little girl?” said another, laughing with his companions.



Willow’s jaw clenched with controlled anger. “I’m not scared of ye.”



“Oh, you will be as soon as we start ripping your little friend apart.” The vampire leader said almost dismissively.



Green eyes narrowed. Willow felt Tara’s fear through their bond and wasn’t about to let anything happen with her mate.



“Ye can try it.” She said dangerously.



“W-Willow…” Tara whispered frightened.



Willow turned back to her and Tara almost jumped at seeing the redhead’s eyes had assumed that green-gold color once more. “I won’t let they hurt ye.” Willow said in a soothing voice.



“You won’t, heh? Let’s see what you can do against one of my boys.” The leader smirked. “Get ‘em, Lee.”



The vampire to his right, Lee, was tall and broad shouldered with rather plain features and most probably had been a frat boy before being turned. He lunged at the redhead and got the surprise of his unlife when his fist was firmly caught in his would-be-victim grip. Willow didn’t give him the chance to react and kneed him in the crotch, hard. The vampire whimpered in pain and fell to his knees, his hands instinctively went to protect the area from anymore blows. The redhead then grabbed his head and swiftly snapped his neck, watching dispassionately as he crumbled to dust at her feet.



She looked at the other two vampires, who were obviously shocked at the display, and raised an auburn eyebrow in challenge.



Tara watched in shock as the remaining vampires put on their game faces and charged at Willow. She lifted her hand to aid Willow with her magic, but that proved unnecessary when the redhead quickly dispatched one of her attackers with a spinning kick to the neck, breaking his spinal cord and took care of the other with the stake she had hidden in her jacket’s inner pocket. It was all over very quick, leaving Tara feeling numb and not knowing what to think.



“W-What are y-you?” the question was out of her lips before she could process it and she immediately regretted her words when Willow’s eyes filled with tears of shame and pain. “I- I mean…”



“I know.” Willow said in a tiny voice and Tara felt waves after waves of fear coming from the redhead. It disoriented her. “I can’t avoid this anymore.”



Tara tried frantically to find words to reassure the redhead, but her tongue didn’t seem to work anymore. Willow flopped down on the blanket at a good distance from Tara, she didn’t want the blonde anymore uncomfortable than she already was.



“It’s time fer ye to know the truth.” Willow took a deep breath.



“W-Willow-“ Tara started, but Willow raised a hand interrupting whatever the blonde was about to say.



“Please, don’t make this more difficult, I… Just let me explain everything, aye?” Willow said, the whole time not lifting her eyes from the ground.



Tara wanted to say something, anything to get Willow out of her state but she acquiesced to the redhead’s wished and stayed put.



“I told’ye tha’ my family ‘as a secret, aye? Well, the secret is that we aren’t exactly human.”



“What?!” for a moment Tara thought that Willow could be a demon and panic filled her entire being.



“No!” Willow exclaimed, startling Tara. “I’m not a demon, I swear to ye, Tara.” She said pleadingly. “Please jus’ let me explain.”



Tara nodded quietly, silently wondering how Willow could know what she had thought. Can you read minds?



“No, not everyone’s minds, jus’ yers.” Willow answered quietly.



Tara’s eyes widened. “H-How-“



Willow turned forlorn eyes to her. “Let me explain.”



Tara breathed deeply and nodded, slightly uncomfortable with the situation.



“Do ye know ‘bout werewolves?” Willow asked.



“Yes, people who turn into wolves every full moon.” Tara said, wondering what that had to do with anything. A thought suddenly occurred her. “Are you a-“



“No.” Willow shook her head. “I’m something similar. My kind came before the werewolves, we’re their origins.”



Tara listened in silence as Willow explained the history of the Wolf-People and how the werewolves came to be. Willow gave her a detailed description of the differences between her kind and the werewolves. The pieces were all falling into place and Tara slowly started to understand the mystery that was Willow O’Connor.



“Father is the leader of our Clan, the alpha ye could say. I probably shouldn’t ‘ave told ye all this without his formal permission, but I couldn’t keep this from ye any longer.” Willow sighed dejectedly.



“Why… Why all this secrecy?” Tara finally asked.



“Tara… Ye ‘ave to understand that most people don’t take much liking to anything different from what they’re used to. The Wolves used to be strongly persecuted, people wanted to either kill us all or study us, make experiments. So we faked our own demise and destroyed everything ever recorded ‘bout us. We hid and were eventually forgotten. That’s why we tend to stay with others like us in the Sanctuaries and when an outsider is involved, it has to be strictly controlled.”



Tara swallowed, her mind struggling to process everything that had been told. “I… Why me, Willow? What’s going on with me?”



Willow put her head in her hands. So far Tara had taken everything pretty well, but she wasn’t sure how the blonde would react to the next bit of information.



“Do ye believe in soulmates?” Willow asked quietly, but didn’t wait for an answer. “When a Wolf reaches adulthood, we perform a ritual of majority, asking the Great Wolf fer wisdom and guidance in our lives as adults. It’s when we reach majority that we feel the need to take a mate, so we visit the Great Priest and ‘e points us the way. ‘e does not say who, just where an’ that we will know when we find our chosen mate. That’s why I came to Sunnydale.”



Tara’s mouth opened and closed several times as Willow’s words settled in. “You… You mean I…? T-That can’t be right, I’m n-not a- a Wolf.”



“Ye don’t need to be. It’s not uncommon for Wolves to mate with humans, my brother’s mate is human.” Willow explained softly.



“I… I…” Tara shook her head, she couldn’t concentrate enough to form words. It was too much for her to understand. Wolves don’t mate with the same sex! Her mind screamed at her, trying to deny what was plain to her.



Willow gulped and her eyes filled with tears. “Tha’ doesn’t matter, ‘tis not the body that chooses the mate, but the soul.”



Tara couldn’t take it anymore. Her head was confused and her feelings were jumbled with Willow’s. She was scared and confused. She didn’t know if what she felt was because of some magic or… She got up to started to flee, but Willow caught her wrist before she could go far.



“Don’t go.” Willow pleaded, her heart breaking at the panicky look she got from Tara.



“I- I can’t…” It’s too much.



“Please, at least let me take ye ‘ome. I don’t want ye to get ‘urt.” Willow’s eyes were misty with tears, but she refused to let them fall.



Tara nodded and allowed Willow to lead her to the car, waiting patiently as she gathered what was left of the picnic and put it in the trunk. The drive to Tara’s home was silent, both young women lost in their own thoughts. Willow was consciously blocking the Bond not to confuse the blonde anymore and well as to spare herself the pain of what Tara might be thinking. They reached the Maclay’s in ten minutes and Tara wordlessly got out of the car and into the house. Willow couldn’t do more than watch longingly as the blonde walked away from her.



Not being able to control her tears anymore the redhead restarted the car and drove home. Willow entered her apartment and went directly to her room, ignoring Faith’s concerned looks and questions. She felt like her heart had been ripped from her chest and if the Bond wasn’t being blocked she would know Tara was feeling much the same.



TBC…



That was so bad in so many ways that I can't stop hitting my head on the keyboard. Willow and Tara separated, it's unnatural! Urgh, but I convinced myself that it was necessary for dramatic purposes. But don't worry, someone will save the day!



Any death threats yet?

Edited by: Warduke at: 3/11/05 7:33 pm

[hidden watson]

Of course no death threats because that was so well written, the shock and fear and disbelief mixing with the unmistakable pull of the Bond between them.



Willow defying her father's instructions to tell Tara the truth. I can believe that within her clan her father's word is rule and for her to reveal herself to Tara at this time must have taken some courage, although the vampire attacks totally forced her hand. Her father should understand.



I thought Tara reacted as well a could be under the circumstances, she just learn that she, Tara, was the pre-destined mate of a superstrong, mind-reading, not-exactly human Wolf-person. I'm surprised she didn't completely freaked out and ran away into the night. Willow did the right thing, sitting a little away and not pushing, only to suggest that she took Tara home cos the night's not safe. I'm hoping that what she feels of the Bond and Willow's reassurance

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‘tis not the body that chooses the mate, but the soul

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helps her come to an understanding. It is too much, and I don't blame her if she turned around and told Willow the next day she wants nothing of this business.



Angst if fine, I love angst. So, I wait to see how Willow wooes Tara back, and look forward to seeing Tara's reaction.

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quiet thoughts

[xonethousandtears08x]

Ugh. Stupid vampires ruin everything.





I don't know what to say about what just happened. Willow telling Tara everything all at once. It must be really stressful and confusing for Tara.

I hope they both are okay.

[watersong84]

awwww man... definately no death threats here because, let's face it, that was pretty damn realistic.



But you better make this right! And I mean soon, missy.

[photographer02]

PLEASE CONTINUE!!

I want to know what happen next?!!



photographer02

[tarawhipped]

Jeez, vampires have lousy timing, though it's possible that Tara's reaction wouldn't have been different even without the display of Willow's wolfy powers. I mean, we all know they're meant to be together (and so does Tara on some level, I'm sure), but the whole "I travelled across the world to find you cause your my soulmate" story does have a certain stalkerish ring to it. Your Willow is so damn charming, however, she will no doubt be able to woo Tara back with only minimal angst. Or major angst, but hey, I like angst!



-Cameron

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What should I be but just what I am? - Edna St.Vincent Millay

[hermitfish]

Gotta like the fast production of your updates...and of course the quality. Um, no death threats here...I'll stick to praising the good stuff. I think anx can make the ride more enjoyable because there is something to overcome before the 'happily ever after' comes. It would make for very dry storywriting without any conflict or depth...luckily for us, you have both here...yay!



~Cyd

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When I'm sitting here with you, I don't even think about the slime people.

~The very romantic lead in The Slime People (1962)



Altered Shadows

[Still Waters T]

So am I the only one, or er one of the few who was excited about Tara seeing Willow in action with the vamps...even though it scared her? Cos WOOOT GOO Willow!! Understandable that Tara is "slightly" freaked about the whole wolfie Willow deal, but I hope she realizes soon, like within the next morning hopefully that her and Willow are meant to be.



Btw, heehee Oz glaring at Willow! He deserves the virus when trying to hack into Willow's records. *snickers*



I like what you've done with all the characters, including how Faith and Willow are friends and roomies.



Can't wait to read more! I was almost biting my nails reading the last two updates about the date.



Liv

[Tempest Duer]

No death threats from me. You write angst well, and it'll just make their reunion that much sweeter.

I got bitten by a drunk lesbian! Does that mean I'll turn into one?



~my friend Mary

[dreamspace]

hidden watson: Uff, no death threats for me, that's good, very good.

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Willow defying her father's instructions to tell Tara the truth. I can believe that within her clan her father's word is rule and for her to reveal herself to Tara at this time must have taken some courage, although the vampire attacks totally forced her hand. Her father should understand.

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Yes, as a father he should understand, but then there is the matter that he is the Clan leader and cannot play favorites, so there is a chance that this will be a bit more complicated than that. Or maybe not, it will depent on my mood when it's time to address this.



I was a bit worried about Tara's reaction. It had to be realistic but not too repressive, I guess I pulled it off pretty well.



Well, I can certainly say that there will be some angst, but not MUCH, because I really don't write angst very well. I love to read it, but I don't think I'm the best person to write it (or maybe it's just that the angst fics that I've read are so good that I can't possibly compare). The angst-y chapters are already planned as well as the much needed end of the angst, you won't have to wait long.



xonethousandtears08x: Vamps have bad, bad timing. But this is the Hellmouth, what did you expect? Don't worry, there will be tears and sadness, but it won't last. After all I much like goodness.



watersong84: Thanks and fear not, a hero will come and save the day. Or in this case, two heros, but you will see.



photographer02: Aw, please, no tears! I'm a sucker for tears. You won't have to wait, I have two chapters pretty much ready, just need some last minute editing and stuff. No more tears, please?



tarawhipped: I guess that dumping all that on Tara wasn't the smartest thing to do, but it wasn't as if Willow had any choice. She did try to prepare Tara for the news, but with the vamps and all she couldn't just say "ah, well, i'm lucky", that would have been even worse. At least now with the cat out of the bag they can work it out and form a good, strong relationship.



hermitfish: Thanks! I've never written this fast before, my muse is really working overtime here. That and I have no life, so lots and lots of free time. Indeed, what is romance without difficulties to overcome? A ride is no fun if there's no bumps on the road.



Still Waters T: Well, I don't know if you're the first to notice it, but you were certainly the first to point it out. I totally agree, Willow is so hot being all large with the butch and protecting what is hers, that's part of the reason that I made Willow the Wolf and not Tara.

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Btw, heehee Oz glaring at Willow! He deserves the virus when trying to hack into Willow's records. *snickers*

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:rotfl Thanks, I thought that was good myself. But this will really raise more suspects against our dear redhead. Oh well.



Don't chew off all your nails, I'm determined not to have a long time between updates, two, three days tops, but I think daily updates are a pretty good rhythm, huh?



Tempest Duer: Thanks and I agree, their union will be forged by fire. <- I don't know why I put this little mister here, but I really like him.



And here is the much needed update, the next will come later today when I finish reviewing it.



CHAPTER 10 - A BROTHER'S LOVE



It had been two days since ‘the date’ and Faith was getting increasingly worried. That night Willow had entered the apartment in tears and Faith, who had been waiting to grill the redhead for details, was completed ignored. Since that day Willow had been locked in her room, not coming out even to eat. Every time Faith knocked or passed by Willow’s room the only response she got were complete silence or the sound of her friend crying.



Obviously, something very bad had happened that night and Willow didn’t want to talk about it, so Faith was left worried and beyond frustrated. She didn’t know what to do and it didn’t help that every time she met her sister Slayer the blonde would ask dozens of question about the redhead. It was obvious that Buffy and her merry band were suspicious of the redhead, but Willow didn’t do anything wrong so she didn’t know what the fuss was all about. The redhead had secrets, a past she didn’t want to share, so what? It’s not like everyone just goes about spouting about their past for everyone to hear. She was grateful to the older Slayer for her help with Kakistos, but the blonde was really starting to get on her nerves with primness.



A knock on the door interrupted Faith’s thoughts and the brunette wondered who could be. Maybe it was Willow’s sweetheart, that could be good. However, it wasn’t Tara at the door, but three people Faith had never seen before. The man was a good three inches taller than herself and built like a bear, but the look in his light blue eyes was surprisingly gentle for someone so big. His mass of curly red hair fell slightly on his eyes, giving him a boyish look. The woman at his side was of average built and about Faith’s height, she had shoulder length ash blonde hair and intelligent gray eyes. Then there was a little girl, no more than six years old, who by her features was obviously their daughter. Her hair was fine and straight like her mother’s but had his father’s coloring and her eyes were a grayish blue that sparkled with curiosity. They all peered at Faith questioningly, as if they were expecting someone else to open the door.



The man suddenly nodded to himself, as if he had realized something. “Ye must be Faith.”



Faith frowned. Why did they know her? “Yes?”



“I’m Kyran, Willow’s brother. She told me about ye.”



Now it made sense. Willow had told her about her family and that her eldest brother lived in the States. If she had looked closer she would have seen the resemblance between Willow and her brother. They had the same smile, complexion, not to mention the red hair. Kyran’s accent, however, wasn’t as thick as Willow, probably because he had been living in the States for a long time.



It was even better, Faith decided, that her brother had come to visit. Maybe he could help her find out what was going on with her redhead friend.



“These are my wife Diana and my daughter Lily.” Kyran smiled and bowed his head. “An honor to meet the Slayer.”



This startled Faith. “Willow told you about me being the Slayer?”



Kyran nodded. “We don’t have many secrets between us.”



Faith didn’t know how to feel about that. “Um, well, come in.”



“Is Aunty Willow home?” the little girl, Lily, all but bounced in.



Faith smiled at the hyper kid, but then looked seriously at Kyran. “Something… happened with R- I mean, Willow.”



A look of alarm fell over the man’s face. “Is she alright?”



“I don’t think so.” Faith sighed. “She won’t come out of her room. It’s been two days…”



“What happened?” Diana asked. It was plain that she cared for Willow very much.



Faith didn’t know how to explain, exactly. “She… had a date two days ago and when she came back she was crying and… Well, I don’t know, but something very bad must have happened and she won’t talk to me. Maybe you could help.”



Kyran closed him eyes tightly for a moment and took a deep breath. He looked at Diana and it was as if an unknown message passed between them. Diana nodded and kissed his cheek softly, then she bent down and placed a kiss on Lily’s forehead and walked out of the apartment.



“Huh? Where did she go?” Faith asked in confusion.



“To talk with my sister’s mate.” Kyran answered simply.



“Mate?” Faith looked at him strangely.



“I’ll explain later. Now where is this sister o’ mine?” he asked.



Faith shrugged and showed him the way to Willow’s room. Kyran turned to Faith.



“Can you take Lily somewhere else? I need to talk to her alone.”



“But Daddy!” Lily protested.



“Lily.” He shot her a stern look that left no room for arguments.



“Alright.” Lily agreed resignedly but wasn’t above a bit of rebellious eye rolling.



“Come on then, kid. How about we play some video games?” Faith offered with a half-smile.



After they left Kyran looked back at the closed door. He could smell his sister in the room and her sadness hit him like a ton of bricks. As sibling they had a natural connection to each other and Kyran’s heart broke at his sister obvious suffering. He was determined to help her any way he could. Diana was taking care of part of it, now he just had to shake his stubborn sister out of her misery.



“If you don’t open this door right now I’ll kick it open.” He said firmly.



There was no response, so he decided to pull out the big guns.



“Firebrand, I’m your brother and elder, I want ye to open the door.”



As he knew it would happen, he heard scuffle inside the room and a moment later the lock clicked and the door slammed open. He had called on her formal Clan name and had challenged her loyalty as an elder Wolf and her blood kin, so she had no other choice but to relent or lose her honor.



“Great Wolf, Willow, ye look like crap!” he exclaimed, looking at her gaunt face and haunted eyes.



“And ye ‘ave been spendin’ too much time with these bloody Americans.” Willow remarked tiredly. “What do ye want, brother?”



“To help.”



“There’s nothin’ ye can do.” Willow looked at the ground.



“No.” he agreed, then lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “But ye can do something.”



“No, I can’t, Ky. She rejected the Bond.” She said forlornly.



He took her in his arms and she gratefully buried herself in his chest. “Tell me what happened.” He stroked her hair lovingly.



So she did. She told him everything and surprised herself by crying all the way through it. She thought she had cried all her tears in the past days. Apparently not.



“I feel… I feel like my soul is tearin’ inside. To see tha’ look of fear in ‘er eyes…” Willow took a shuddering breath.



“Oh, Willow…” he sighed, cradling her like one would do an infant. “She didn’t reject yer Bond, she’s just too confused. Right now she’s probably feeling as miserable as ye.”



“‘ow can ye know?” she asked quietly.



“I went through it, remember?” he smiled at her ruefully. “Ye can’t just spring this kind of news on someone and expect them not to freak.”



“I really ‘ate all this American slang, ye know?” Willow muttered, then half smiled at her brother. “An’ I really ‘ate it that yer always right.”



“Of course I am, I’m the big brother here, remember?” he grinned at her cheekily.



“What do I do now?”



“Talk to yer mate, explain to ‘er what the Bond entails and let her decide. Let she feel the Bond and the connection between ye two will guide her.”



“I don’t want to guilt ‘er into it!” Willow snarled.



“This is not about guilt!” he snapped back. “She needs to understand it all before she can make a decision, it’s her right and ye know it!”



Willow looked down. “I’m sorry, yer right o’ course, but…”



“But ye don’t want her to be with ye just because of what would happen to ye if she chooses otherwise.” He said softly, cupping her cheek in his big hand. “I know, but ye have to trust her feeling and yers. This is part of the Bond, it is not to be taken lightly.”



“I know…” Willow sighed. “I just don’t know what to do.”



“Well, ye can start by taking yer niece to the park, she’s dying to play with her Aunty Willow.” Kyran grinned.



Willow looked like she wanted to argue, but then decided it was useless, her brother would have his way one way or another. Plus, she really missed Lily. She agreed to take to youngster for a walk on the park.



TBC…



Alright, it wasn't very long, but it served its purpose. Next we will have Diana's mission and then... well, you'll see.



Feedback, anyone?

Edited by: Warduke at: 3/11/05 7:35 pm

[xonethousandtears08x]

awesome. yet, poor willow. two days. thats along time to be in a room. i wonder how tara is doing. i hope diana gets to talk to her.



more please?

[Missocki]

Okay, so this is my first reply to the story, so... I love it so far! But the whole split between Willow and Tara is breaking my kitteny heart! I just hope that Diana is able to help Tara with her feelings!

"I think when I cease to go to the bathroom, then I can call myself famous." -Amber Benson

"Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly." -Rose Franken

[watersong84]

Yay Kyran! He seems so nice! I just hopw Willow can stop moping around for a minute and talk to Tara...

[Still Waters T]

UPDATE-Y GOODNESS of your fic after a day of studying - what could possibly be better!?! Heh 'scuse me, I've had too much sugar and caffeine tonight

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I totally agree, Willow is so hot being all large with the butch and protecting what is hers, that's part of the reason that I made Willow the Wolf and not Tara.

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Ohhh yup, very hot! Hope we'll see her in action again some time.

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I'm determined not to have a long time between updates, two, three days tops, but I think daily updates are a pretty good rhythm, huh?

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YAY definately a good rhythm I mean, yep very good! You won't hear any complaints from me with all the updates.



Poor Willow all sad and crying and awww.... I'm glad Kyran, Diana and Lily are there; it's good to have familiar faces, and on top of that family, when away from home. And aww Willow's an auntie, lucky kid. I like her brother, and sister-in-law, they'll help her I'm sure. Make all things better. And also, heehee I don't think Buffy and the others would really want to mess with Kyran.



Hope Tara's ok, or less sad than just after the date at least.



Your vacation's over tomorrow isn't it? Have fun with school heh. And no worries if school should happen to interfere with the updates.



Liv

[dreamspace]

%%WORD0%x: A long time indeed, but you have to consider what she's just been through. Heck, if I thought my soulmate didn't want anything to do with me I'd probably never leave my room again. That's really depressing now that I think about it.



Missocki: Welcome aboard and thank you! Oh, don't cry, I swear everything is gonna be alright! Scouts honor!





%%WORD49%„: Well, I made Kyran based on my own brother, who is by the way the best big brother ever. Don't worry, he'll shake Willow off her flunk, he has a plan already and it's working pretty well.



Still Waters T: How nice, I do love to read a good fic after hours of studying, glad my fic did it for you!

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Poor Willow all sad and crying and awww.... I'm glad Kyran, Diana and Lily are there; it's good to have familiar faces, and on top of that family, when away from home. And aww Willow's an auntie, lucky kid. I like her brother, and sister-in-law, they'll help her I'm sure. Make all things better. And also, heehee I don't think Buffy and the others would really want to mess with Kyran.

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Family is very important for Willow and hers will indeed help her through it all. Kyran is the overprotective big brother type, so you can guess what will happen to anyone who messes with his little sister.

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Your vacation's over tomorrow isn't it? Have fun with school heh. And no worries if school should happen to interfere with the updates.

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Thanks for the support. Yes, my vacation is officially ended tomorrow And this year is my last one, so I'll have to apply for an university pretty soon. Gosh, I hope I can make it to the end of this year Don't worry, I don't think school will interfere much, I study at night, you see, so I have almost all mornings and afternoons free to do whatever I want.



Ain't I the fastest updater in History?





CHAPTER 11 - LISTEN TO YOUR HEART



Teresa was really worried about Tara. Ever since that night two days ago her daughter had not been the same. She walked around listlessly and did everything mechanically. She hardly said a word at all and waved of her concern. The Doctor couldn’t imagine what had gone wrong with her date with the charming redhead, the two had seemed so smitten that she’d never had thought her daughter would be so distraught afterwards. It unsettled had that Tara wouldn’t talk to her about it, but she decided to give her time to think.



The bell rang and the elder Maclay got off the couch to answer it. She had no idea who it could be. She was more than a little surprised at finding an unfamiliar young woman in her mid-twenties on her doorstep.



“Mrs. Maclay?” the woman asked.



“Yes?”



“I’m Diana O’Connor and I’m here to talk to your daughter.” Diana announced.



“O’Connor?” Teresa looked surprised. “Are you by any chance related to Willow O’Connor?”



“Yes, as a matter of fact I am her sister-in-law.” Diana smiled.



That surprised Teresa even more. “And may I ask what do you want with Tara?”



“It seems that there has been a bit of a… misunderstanding between the girls. I want to help.”



Teresa didn’t know what to say. On one hand she wanted to help her daughter, but on the other she didn’t really know if she could trust this woman. The Doctor looked at Diana closely and studied her aura. Her aura swirled in bright rues of yellow and blue and quite a bit of white.



“Come in.” she said, satisfied with what she saw.



“Thank you.”



Diana was led upstairs and Teresa knocked on the first door to their right.



“Tara?” she called.



After a few minutes the door opened to reveal a frazzled looking Tara, with dark bags under her tired eyes. Diana’s heart constricted at the sight of the young woman, remembering the time when herself looked much the same.



“Hello, Tara.” Diana smiled gently. “I’d like to talk to you for a bit.”



Tara glanced quickly at her mother, then turned her look to Diana. “Who are you?”



“Oh, sorry. My name is Diana O’Connor.”



Tara paled slightly, recognizing the surname. “Willow?” she whispered.



Diana nodded. “I know what happened and I’d like to talk to you, to explain some things. How about we take a walk?”



Tara looked at her mother questioningly and the older woman nodded her approval, so she sighed and agreed, following the other woman downstairs and out of the house.



“I know what you’re feeling, you know?” Diana commented after walking in silence for a few minutes.



“How can you when I’m not even sure?” Tara whispered sadly.



“Too many emotions.” Diana said knowingly.



“Was it this hard for you?”



“Harder.” Diana said quietly. “Kyran told me everything after we’ve been dating for two weeks. I caught him transforming on the full moon.”



“What?!” Tara blurted out. “But I thought-“



“Not like werewolves.” Diana shook her head. “They can transform at will, but there’s some sacred ritual to honor their God that is done on the full moons. I watch sometimes, he transforms and howls at the moon the whole night. Go figure.” She shrugged.



“Oh.”



“It’s pretty overwhelming, eh? To know that someone traveled across the world to meet you. Makes you wonder if any of it is real.”



“Why me, though? Willow c-could have anyone she w-wanted.”



“Because you’re the perfect match for her soul, you and no other.” Diana looked at Tara intensely.



Tara sighed, there was so much she didn’t know.



“I saw her fighting some vampires… She’s so strong… It’s…” she searched for the words.



“Frightening?” Diana offered.



“A lot.” Tara admitted.



“And you’re doubting your feelings for her and hers for you.”



“Yes.” Tara nodded.



“When Kyran told me, I was just so angry at him for hiding it all from me, but then… With time, I understood the importance of it. He said that he had to have his father’s permission, that this information could endanger his people. Do you understand why she hid it from you?”



Tara nodded again.



“You have to understand then that she risked a lot of things by telling you when she did. Her telling you means she’s willing to go against everything she ever knew for you.”



Tara closed her eyes, mulling this over. “I… I don’t know how to feel… Having someone doing this kind of thing for me… Goddess, it’s so…”



Diana put her hand on the blonde’s shoulder. “Tara, would you like a piece of advice?”



“Please…”



“Listen to your heart. Stop thinking for a moment and listen to what it tells you. Look at Willow in the eye and trust heart because it will never lead you wrong.”



Tears formed in Tara’s eyes. “I… Why it hurts so much… to be away from her?”



“What does your heart tell you?” Diana asked softly.



“I… I…” Tara stopped trying to rationalize what she was feeling and saw in her mind’s eye Willow’s face, her smile, her tearful eyes just before she walked away from her. “I love her.” She said quietly.



“And do you think there is anything more powerful than that?” Diana smiled.



“But… T-the Bond…” Tara said uncertainly.



“The Bond is a link between your souls, it does not create feelings or change them.” Diana explained.



“Oh Goddess…” Tara swallowed. “What do I do now?”



“Talk to her, get to know her and decide if she’s the one with want to share your life with.” Diana said sagely.



Tara was silent for a moment.



“Are you wondering why am I doing this?” Diana asked.



“Kinda.”



“When I met Willow she was no more than a child, a child who worshiped her brother above all things. One would think she would be jealous, but she wasn’t. After Kyran introduced me to his family, she was just so… happy for us, I didn’t understand at the time but later she told me, in all her innocence, that I was the only person on the whole planet that could make her brother’s soul sing and that she knew he would be happy with me. I want that for her too, Tara, she’s like a sister to me and I want her to have someone to make her soul sing.”



Silent tears were running down Tara's cheeks. "She’s not going to school anymore, I… I don’t know how to get to her. What if… What if she doesn’t even want to be with me anymore?”



“Well, there’s your chance to find out.” Diana pointed at the redhead across the park, pushing a little girl on the swing set.



“Willow!”



TBC…



And now I'm off to write more, I hope to update again pretty soon.



Feedback?

Edited by: Warduke at: 3/11/05 7:36 pm

[xonethousandtears08x]

yes! i hope the confrentation with willow and tara ends with a

[watersong84]

Yay! Update! Update!

[photographer02]

Loving the new 2 chapters!!

PLEASE CONTINUE!!!

I'm begging you!!



photographer02

[Still Waters T]

Haha overslept and missed important study info things today. Working on a philosophy essay now (not all fun ) and couldn't help but check if you'd updated, and YAY you did! Now I can go back to writing the essay all bouncy and in the greatest mood. Thanks!



Nice walk! And good good talk Diana and Tara had. Poor confused and sad Tara... Maybe she'll now see a new side of Willow as in cute auntie Willow, although the cuteness of Willow is constant but still! And hopefully all things will be better soon Although I love angst, you gotta love happy Willow and Tara.



Oh and I donno about THE fastest, BUT you're definately one of the very few! Kudos to you - fast updates, and awesome updates all.



Btw my last semester, which would be the fall semester at the university, had NO vacations the entire semester. Look forward to starting at the uni Nah, I'm really kidding, it's not so bad, pretty cool actually.



Gotta go back to the funness of studying...



Livvy

Edited by: Still Waters T at: 2/21/05 6:54 am

[hidden watson]

Great work with the last 2 chapters, how broken up they both are, which shows how important the other is inside her heart. The arrival of Kyan, Diana and Lily couldn't have been better timed. Hopefully Diana can share her experience with Tara and help her understand more about the Bond. I like this

Quote:

---

“The Bond is a link between your souls, it does not create feelings or change them.”

---

it shows the feelings between the girls are from themselves, and not necessarily anything external, including the Bond.



I also hope Diana can share her experience on how to integrate into the Clan. For some reason this situation reminds me of a commoner who marries into a royal family, how different that world is, and how the guidance of a mentor may be the turning point between happiness and sadness.

------

quiet thoughts

[stillrunning]

OMG! Ok so I just caught up on the last 3 updates and I swear I'm never giving you cookies again! I want to cry!! And then you just left it there!! And they need to make it all good and happy again! Which if you do that soon THEN you can have all your cookies back...like a bribe. Happiness/WT love=cookies...ok?



Oh yea, great updates by the way

"Heaven's not a place that you go when you die...it's that moment in life when you actually feel alive"

[Irishgrl3]

Wow, I take a day off and miss 3 whole updates. Poor Willow and Tara, I knew the truth would be tough. I'm glad Willow's brother and wife came to the rescue because they have been through it all before. And it appears to have helped W&T by talking to them. Faith has been great, her comments about Buffy were hysterical. Great job!

-anna

[dreamspace]

Well, it's awfully late here in Brazil, but I promised myself I would have this update ready today and here it is. Excuse my sleepiness, I just returned from class (have I ever told you how much I HATE chemistry?) and I'm almost falling asleep on my keyboard.



I hope you like Chapter 12, it's not my best, i'm afraid, so feel free to bash me around when I'm properly rested.



CHAPTER 12 - SOULMATES



“Willow!”



Willow’s head shot up at the sound of her name. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the blonde running toward her with Diana in tow. Then they narrowed in suspicion. She knew perfectly well that the blonde being there wasn’t a coincidence at all.



“Diana.” She growled at the older woman.



Diana grinned and raised her hands in surrender. “Not my idea, Will.”



“Hi Mommy! Want to play with us?” Lily smiled innocently from her spot on the swings.



“I’d love to play with you, darling, but your Auntie Willow has a few matters to attend with this young woman here.” Diana patted Tara’s arms encouragingly as the blonde looked around nervously.



“But… But! I was telling Auntie Willow about my classes!” Lily whined pitifully.



Willow glanced at Tara, noting the pleading and somewhat nervous look Tara was directing at her. She sighed, knowing that she couldn’t put this off any longer.



“‘ey, pup, ‘ow ‘bout ye tell me ‘bout yer school later? Then I promise we can do sum magic.”



“Really?” Lily asked excitedly.



“O’ course, ‘ave I ever lied to ye?” Willow asked in mock seriousness.



Lily shook her head solemnly. “No.”



“So there ye go, we can talk later an’ I’ll teach ye sum magic.” Willow grinned and ruffled the child’s hair.



“Woo hoo!” Lily jumped off the swings and seized an amused Diana by the hand. “Come on, Mommy, Auntie Willow has to talk to the lady.”



Diana laughed as she was dragged by her daughter to the other side of the park, leaving Willow and Tara in an awkward silence.



“Um, magic?” Tara asked finally. “As in r-real magic?”



“No, as in magic tricks, magician magic. I learn’d sum when I was little, Lily luvs it.” Willow clarified.



“Oh. I thought you… you know.”



“I’m not a witch, Tara.” Willow sighed.



“Do you… Do you know that I am-“



“Yes.” Willow interrupted. “I know yer a witch.”



Tara nodded and silence fell between then once more.



“Listen-“



“Tara I-“



They started at the same time. The blonde smiled bashfully and motioned for the redhead go first.



“Tara I… I’d like to… apologize.”



Tara looked up startled. “Apologize? What for?”



“I… shouldn’t ‘ave told’ye all o’ that at once… I understand ye were frightened an’ confused. I’m sorry.” Willow lowered her head.



“No!” Tara blurted quickly. “I should be the one apologizing, I shouldn’t have acted the way I did. Goddess, I didn’t even say goodbye to you when you brought me home.”



“But-“ Willow started to protest but Tara cut her off.



“I wanted the truth, you gave it to me. I just… couldn’t handle it… at the time.” Tara said carefully.



“‘At the time’? Can ye ‘andle it now?” Willow asked with a hint of hope in her voice.



“I- I think so. Willow, I won’t lie to you. This is all so new and… Well, I-“



“I understand.” Willow said quickly, her insecurities taking over. “Ye don’t want to complicate yer life and-“



“Willow.” Tara interrupted firmly putting a hand on the redhead’s shoulder. “I’m not saying I’m giving up. Diana… She talked to me, gave me some advice and decided- I decided that what I feel for you is worth fighting for.”



“What ye feel…” Willow trailed off, taking deep breath.



“I want to understand you, Willow.” Tara said softly.



Willow lifted a hand to the blonde’s face, marveling at the unwavering determination that radiated from her. “I will tell ye everythin’.”



Tara nodded and both girls sat on the swings side by side. Willow looked at the ground, trying to find her words.



“Diana told me that the Bond was a link between our souls, that it couldn’t create or change feelings.” Tara said quietly.



“That’s true.” Willow nodded. “The Priest at ‘ome says that the Bond is merely our guide to find each other.”



“What does it mean to be Bonded?” Tara asked.



“It means that our souls are connected beyond this life. To accept the Bond would mean to tie your soul to mine… for all eternity.” Willow explained.



“What would happen if- if I didn’t accept it?” Tara asked hesitantly.



Willow’s eyes closed painfully against the question she knew would eventually be asked. “I- Tara… The Bond is already formin’… If ye sever it now, it would be painful, very painful to me. My soul would be tortured horribly ‘til my body succumbed.”



Tara gasped, her hands clenching around the chains holding the swings.



“But Tara… It would be much worse if ye accepted the Bond unwillingly. It would pain me so much more to see ye unhappy at my side.” Willow looked at the blonde seriously even though her heart was breaking at each of her words. “I’d rather suffer the severing of the Bond than ‘aving ye accept it out of guilt.”



Tara swallowed hard, but nodded. She understood. “And if I a-accept it?”



Willow looked away, not wanting Tara to see the hopeful desperation in her eyes. “If ye chose to accept the Bond and we complete it, we’ll be wed in the eyes of my people. There is a ceremony to be performed, but it’s mostly fer the sake o’ tradition. Ye would be recognized as my mate by every Wolf and would be treated as one of our own.”



Tara’s mind reeled as she took it all in. Surprisingly, she didn’t felt confused or afraid, just a lot nervous about the whole process. “I would have to go to Ireland with you?” she asked haltingly.



“Just fer the ceremony.” Willow explained hastily. “I wouldn’t force ye to go anywhere. I certainly ‘ave no problem stayin’ ‘ere.”



Tara smiled, secretly liking this nervous side of Willow. “You said we have to complete the Bond, how does it work?”



Willow blushed deeply. “Um… Well, it’s… Eh…”



Tara watched curiously as the redhead fumbled with her words.



“Oh, Great Wolf, ‘ow do I explain this?” Willow mumbled to herself. “Ye see, Tara, the Bond ‘as three aspects: spiritual, mental and physical. The third aspect unlocks the others.” She said quickly.



Tara blinked, mulling this over. As realization dawned on her face, so did her blush. “You- You mean we have to… to…”



“Father didn’t say exactly ‘ow it happens, just tha’ it’s during… ye know.” Willow said embarrassedly. “When I… claim ye as my mate, the Bond will be complete.”



“Oh.” Tara flushed and not entirely of embarrassment as her imagination offered her quite a few possibilities. She was suddenly feeling very warm.



“Tara.” Willow said suddenly dead serious. “This decision is very important.”



“I know.” Tara nodded. “I won’t take this lightly. But Willow…”



“Aye?”



“I still want to know more about you.”



Willow smiled. “What do ye want to know?”



“Hmmm, how about… your favorite color?”



Willow looked at her sidelong. “Blue.”



Tara chuckled. “Coincidentally, mine just happens to be green. Food?”



“Italian.”



“Me too!” Tara said happily. “How about your artist side?”



“Hm, I do hear I’m grand with the violin. And let me guess… ye sing?”



“A little.” Tara admitted. “I can draw too and I was thinking about trying painting.”



“Hm… Perhaps ye can show me yer drawing sumtime?”



“Perhaps.” Tara smiled enigmatically.



Willow laughed. “Alright. Pets?”



“Oh, I love cats!”



“No dogs?” Willow gave Tara her best puppy eyes.



Tara sniggered, patting Willow’s head playfully. “I can make a few exceptions.”



Willow reached to tickle Tara’s side, making the blonde squirm out of her seat.



“Stop that!” Tara batted Willow’s hand away. “So, moving on, what do you plan to do after High School?”



“Ye know, I hadn’t thought o’ that. I’d like to work wit kids, teacher maybe?” Willow mused.



“You sure seem good with them, that little girl obviously adores you.” Tara commented with a thoughtful smile.



“Lily, I luv tha’ little tyke. She’s a handful, I tell ye, and she ‘as ‘er dad wrapped ‘round ‘er finger. An’ me too, I suppose.” Willow chuckled.



“So you have a soft spot for a pair of big innocent eyes, huh?” Tara teased.



“Don’t even think ‘bout it.” Willow growled playfully.



Tara raised her brows. “Oh, scary.”



“I’ll show ye scary!” Willow suddenly tackled Tara to the ground and proceeded to mercilessly tickle the surprised blonde.



“Oh Goddess… Willow… Stop it…” Tara said between bouts of laugher.



“Am I scary now?” Willow taunted, not letting up for a second.



“Alright! Alright!” Tara shrieked. “I give, I give!”



Willow stopped, still chuckling as Tara panted beneath her.



“That was… unfair… you caught me… by surprise.” Tara said breathlessly.



“All is fair in luv, war and tickle fights.” Willow announced sagely.



Tara stuck out her tongue at the redhead.



“Is tha’ an invitation?” Willow asked slyly.



Tara blushed to the roots of her hair, suddenly aware of the position they were in. “I, um…” Tara gulped and decided to throw caution to the wind. “Yes.”



“Wha’?” Willow asked perplexed, not expecting that response.



“It is an invitation.” Tara whispered. “Kiss me.”



And so Willow did. She leaned down and captured Tara’s lips in a kiss that was both passionate and tentative. She wasn’t sure what would be Tara’s final decision, but she couldn’t deny the fire that burned between them. Willow broke the kiss, trying to push away the desire that coursed in her blood.



“Tara, I-“



“Willow.” Tara rested a fingertip on Willow’s lips. “If I’m going to be your mate you’re going to have to stop doing that.”



“You- You mean?” Willow asked hopefully.



Tara gently traced the outline of Willow’s face with her finger. “I mean. Ok?”



“Oh, yes.”



No more words were needed then, their lips found each other and for a moment time stood still. Two soulmates finally found each other.



TBC…



Yes? No? Die, bitch, die? Tell me watch you think! Now I'm off to catch some Z's.

Edited by: Warduke at: 3/11/05 7:25 pm

[Tempest Duer]

Uh... write more? Pleases and puppy eyes and chocolate chip cookies?

I got bitten by a drunk lesbian! Does that mean I'll turn into one?



~my friend Mary

[xonethousandtears08x]

That was definitely a yes, for sure.



Now right more! and thats an order. jk



No really, please right more

[photographer02]

Yuppie!! A new chapter!! Now I'm desperately to know what's next!!! Please PLEASE CONTINUE!!!! *giving you a whole factory of chocolate cookies*

[JustSkipIt]

Personally I'm a fan of sleep. Yep, big fan of sleep. Love sleep. Some people consider me an expert on sleep... Ahhh...



But now on to the update. Very well done. I like the conversation and how it is all explained. Willow's revelation of the meaning of the bond and it's being rejected is very well-done. Good job.

"Most editors are failed writers--but so are most writers." - Thomas Stearns Eliot

"Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there." - Chare Booth Luce

My latest story: Survivor - Ash Island

[hidden watson]

I thought Tara might want to take a little bit more time before saying yes, but your way is better, much better. The consequences of the Bond not completing are dire indeed. So out of spiritual, mental and physical, where are they now? I'd guess spiritual and partial mental, am I right?

------

quiet thoughts

[stillrunning]

No, I don't think 'Die, bitch, die' would be the good choice for right now. Definately go on. I want to see this whole lovely bonding process...plus I'm a total little pervy one and LOVE Willow/Tara goodness

"Heaven's not a place that you go when you die...it's that moment in life when you actually feel alive"